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North Carolina Arrest Records Online >Currituck County Arrest Records Online

Currituck County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Currituck County, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Currituck County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public. The law specifically defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."

The Currituck County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties in documenting criminal activity and law enforcement actions within the county. These records serve multiple public interests, including:

  • Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
  • Enabling public oversight of law enforcement activities
  • Providing information relevant to public safety
  • Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal matters
  • Facilitating background checks for employment and housing

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Currituck County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Currituck County through several digital platforms maintained by local and state agencies. The Currituck County Sheriff's Office provides certain arrest information through its official website, though the comprehensiveness of these records may vary. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts also maintains electronic databases that include arrest information as part of court records.

Digital access to arrest records is subject to the following considerations:

  • Not all arrest record details may be available online, as some information might be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases due to processing delays
  • Certain sensitive cases, particularly those involving juveniles or specific protected categories, may have limited online accessibility in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
  • Historical records may not be fully digitized, requiring in-person requests for complete information

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides additional online resources for tracking cases that result from arrests, including court calendars and case status information.

How to Look Up Currituck County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Currituck County arrest records have multiple methods available for obtaining this information:

  • In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Currituck County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records.

    Currituck County Sheriff's Office
    125 College Way
    Barco, North Carolina 27917
    Phone: 252-453-8204
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Online Resources: The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains an Offender Public Information Search that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.

  • Court Records: The Currituck County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that result from arrests.

    Currituck County Clerk of Superior Court
    2801 Caratoke Highway
    Currituck, NC 27929
    Phone: 252-232-2010
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Written Requests: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the Sheriff's Office. These requests should include:

    • Full name of the arrested individual
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest
    • Case number (if known)
    • Requestor's contact information

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b), which permits agencies to charge only the actual cost of reproduction. Current fees are $0.25 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies.

Contents of a Currituck County Arrest Record

Arrest records in Currituck County typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual:

    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address
    • Gender and race (for identification purposes)
  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Statutory citations for alleged violations
    • Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
    • Booking number and processing information
  • Case processing information:

    • Fingerprint records
    • Photographic identification (mugshot)
    • Property inventory
    • Initial appearance date
    • Bond or bail determination
    • Court case number (when assigned)
  • Disposition information (when available):

    • Court proceedings
    • Case outcomes
    • Sentencing details

It should be noted that pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, certain identifying information, including fingerprints and photographs, must be taken for individuals arrested for felonies and specific misdemeanors. These records become part of the official arrest documentation maintained by the Currituck County Sheriff's Office and may be shared with state and federal criminal justice information systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Currituck County

Under North Carolina law, certain individuals may petition for expungement (also called expunction) of arrest records in Currituck County. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The Currituck County Courts process these petitions in accordance with state statutes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement vary based on several factors:

  • For arrests that did not result in conviction (N.C.G.S. § 15A-146):

    • Charges must have been dismissed or the individual found not guilty
    • No felony convictions on record
    • Waiting periods may apply depending on specific circumstances
  • For certain first-time nonviolent offenses (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145):

    • Completion of all terms of sentence
    • No subsequent criminal convictions (excluding minor traffic violations)
    • Satisfaction of applicable waiting periods (typically 12 months to several years)
  • For nonviolent felonies committed before age 18 (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.4):

    • At least four years must have passed since completion of sentence
    • No subsequent criminal convictions
    • Good moral character must be demonstrated

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in Currituck County where the arrest occurred. This petition must include:

  • Certified copies of arrest records
  • Affidavits attesting to good character
  • Verification of no subsequent criminal activity
  • Payment of filing fees (currently $175, though fee waivers may be available)

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the petition is granted, all public agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to expunge those records. Private entities that have previously obtained the records are not automatically required to remove them, which may limit the effectiveness of expungement in the digital age.

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